When it comes to eating healthy, college-aged students aren't known for having the best habits. Maybe it's the absence of concern for what we put into our bodies, or maybe its because of the options available to us (or lack there of). Pizza, cheeseburgers, soda, and unlimited dessert--all staples in most college dining halls. But what you won't find an abundance of? Food that can truly be deemed healthy (or edible).
Sure, there might be steamed (probably once frozen) veggies offered as a side for the chicken nuggets for lunch, but most likely they are slathered in butter or margarine to cover up the fact that they are cooked to the point of being the consistency of warm play-dough.
It seems the only option for a health-conscious student is the salad bar. Salads are nice and all, but they by no means make up a complete diet. I'll be the first to admit that my school has an excellent salad bar, with plenty of topping choices to keep the salads from getting too boring after eating them day after day. But other than the salad bar, there is next to nothing that I would eat if I had any other option. So I'm forced to make a decision--eat nothing but salad and constantly feel hungry, or eat a salad with a side of pizza or if I'm lucky undercooked mystery meat thats supposed to be baked chicken.
(actual chicken from my school's dining hall)
I understand that preparing a very large amount of food for an even larger population of hungry students on a budget is an incredibly difficult task, but its not impossible. Yes, there are other options such as cooking your own meals, or eating off campus, and these would be great options that I would gladly utilize if I a) had the time and b) had tons of extra cash lying around.
Meal plans are expensive. Very expensive actually, and most schools require that you have some form of meal plan if you live on campus. So where is all that money going? Each semester we pay a large sum of money solely for the on-campus dining plan, and I think we deserve better.
We deserve options--healthy ones.
